If I remember correctly , Elmer Keith used 5.0 grs of Unique in a 38 special case using his bullet . He felt the bullet might be too heavy but stuck with it . I have used loads of Unique from 5.0 - 5.8 grs in 38 special cases with the 173gr swc with great accuracy . All loads were shot from a 357 as I have no 38 special guns . Regards, Paul